Chapter 178: An Indestructible Punching Bag?

Speaking of which, I found myself compelled to inquire, "Who fired that initial shot, disrupting my plan?" I couldn't help but scrutinize everyone with a tinge of dissatisfaction. It was that very shot that threw a wrench in my works.

"It was I who took the shot, believing the angel poised to attack you," confessed Takamatsu, adjusting his glasses, his admission candid. To think he mistook the angel's intentions towards me! Momentarily taken aback, I realized his action, albeit disruptive, stemmed from concern. Yet, was I to simply let this slide?

"What's wrong? Is there an issue?" Yui eyed me curiously, her expression puzzled by my reaction to Takamatsu's admission.

"No, it's not exactly a problem," I conceded, feeling it prudent to unveil some truths sooner rather than later. "Contrary to popular belief, the angel isn't the heartless automaton we've imagined. On the contrary, I sense she wishes to aid us, to convey certain truths."

My statement was met with immediate uproar, particularly from Noda, who vehemently rejected the notion. "Ridiculous! How could the angel ever wish to aid us? Are your wits waterlogged?" He couldn't fathom my perspective, his mindset too rigid to grasp the possibility of the angel's benevolence.

"Being called brainless by someone of your intellect is truly flattering," I retorted, seizing the opportunity to vent my frustrations. Before I knew it, I had Noda by the collar, dragging him aside for a 'discussion.'

"I say!" Hinata attempted to intervene, only to be greeted by the cacophony of my reprimand towards Noda. His outcry was a clear testament to my displeasure, a reminder not to provoke me further.

Returning alone from the confrontation, I felt invigorated, though I couldn't help but note Noda's lack of resilience. Perhaps a more durable 'punching bag' would be preferable in the future.

After dining, the sight of Noda, barely recovering from his ordeal, served as a stark warning to all: best not to cross me. This revelation sent chills down the spine of every warfront member, a silent agreement to tread lightly around me.

"Zhang Fan, we've prepared a uniform for you," Yui approached me the following day, offering the standard attire of our group. My current ensemble, distinct from the school's usual black uniform, stood out amongst my peers.

"Thank you, Yui. However, my current outfit is bullet-resistant, unlike the standard uniform. I prefer to keep wearing it for now," I explained, highlighting the practical benefits of my attire over the aesthetic conformity.

"Bullet-resistant?" Yui eyed me skeptically, questioning the veracity of my claims. Yet, seeing no deceit, she conceded, "Well, if you insist on wearing your current uniform, at least consider wearing our warfront's insignia."

Agreeing, I affixed the insignia to my uniform, symbolically aligning myself with the SSS members without forgoing my protective gear.

"Fair enough," Yui resigned, acknowledging my compromise. Despite her efforts to maintain authority, it was clear I posed a unique challenge to her leadership, an anomaly she was yet to fully grasp.

As a student of this peculiar institution, attending classes was unavoidable. Yet, to avoid disappearing from this world—a fate believed to befall diligent students—members of the SSS warfront deliberately underperformed academically.

In class, Hinata idly browsed through a manga, while others engaged in various acts of indolence, clearly uninterested in the curriculum. The NP teacher, powerless to enforce discipline, could only watch in dismay as I excused myself from this farce.

"Leaving so soon, Mr. Li?" the teacher inquired weakly as I departed, to which I simply replied, "Taking a leave."

Inspired by my exit, Hinata mused aloud about emulating my tactic to avoid class, a thought that only underscored his lack of insight, much to everyone's silent amusement.

Roaming the school corridors, free from the confines of the classroom, I stumbled upon a melody that halted my aimless wanderings, drawing me towards its source with an irresistible pull.